Press Releases

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are outraged that some members of the South Carolina legislature have an interest in closing the university in an effort to restructure its administration.

CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield, D-NC, said:  “South Carolina Republican elected officials are overreaching and overreacting to the administrative difficulties being experienced by SCSU.  There are many remedies available to the state’s government without using the nuclear option of closing the institution. 

“South Carolina State University has served a valuable purpose in higher education in the State of South Carolina.  Founded in 1896, SCSU is a land-grant institution providing educational opportunities to African American students when other South Carolina colleges closed their doors.  SCSU has stood the test of time and has struggled to maintain enrollment during the recession.  It is deserving of a chance to remedy any problems that may exist. 

“I am confident that a reasonable solution can be reached between the University and State officials.  It would be a tragedy to lose an institution that has been a giant in higher education.”

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns. For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace L. Randle at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov

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